Our Lady of Ransom is fortunate in having a strong willing team of boys and girls, both young and the not-so-young, serving at the altar under the directorship of Bryony Carter. The Guild's function is to bring its members to a fuller understanding of the Mass by encouraging them to participate more closely through their service at the Altar.

If you or your child would like to join the altar servers please contact Father Paul or Bryony Carter, tel. no. 01268 786131.

Singing is a sign of deep joy and is often used as an integral part of Mass. Our parish choir sings at the 10:00am Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. The choir also participates in the liturgy at Christmas and Easter. We are a four-part choir (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) and sing a wide range of music from Palestrina to modern contemporary works. New members including children always welcome. We practice most Thursdays from 8:00pm to 9:30pm in the church.

"The Group meets at 6:00pm on Monday evenings during term time in the Bethany Room. Anyone is most welcome to join in this ancient form of contemplative prayer. The practice is simple but not easy! If you would like to find out more, contact the Group leader, Chris Hurley, tel. no. 01702 207722 or visit www.wccm.org .

The Knights of St. Columba

Membership of the Knights of St Columba is open to all practicing Catholic Men over 16 years of age. Members join local units called 'councils', many of which are based at parish or deanery level. They also participate in monthly meetings. Pope Benedict appealed to the laity to assist in the mission of the Church by becoming more involved in the work of the parishes and our communities. The leader or 'Grand Knight' is Sean Corr.. Should you be interested in joining the KSC please contact Sean on 01702 230788. Further information regarding the KSC can be found here: www.ksc.org.uk/

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide lay Catholic organisation whose members give service to the church. The object of the Legion is to give glory to God through a life of holiness cultivated by prayer and active apostolic work.Here in Rayleigh we have:

• Senior Praesidium - Our Lady of Ransom. This is open to all ordinary practising Catholics who are willing to fulfil the duties.

• Junior Praesidium - Our Lady Health of the Sick. This is for young people under the age of 18.

• Auxiliary Members - These are people who support the Legion with their prayers.

Meetings take place in Our Lady of Ransom School for juniors on Fridays at 3:30 pm and in the Presbytery for the senior members on Tuesdays at 7pm.

If you would like to know more about active or auxiliary membership in Rayleigh please contact Father Paul or Shirley McCamley, tel. no. 01268 780312,and for general information www.legionofmary.org.

Music Group

The parish music group aims to unite our parish community in song and music. It especially aims to encourage the younger parish members to enjoy and express their own musical talents. We sing and play at 10:00am mass on Sundays, alternating weeks with the choir and practice at 9.15am before Sunday mass. New members are always welcome and, if you feel you play an instrument or sing reasonably well, why not contact Avril - childsmusica@gmail.com, who would be delighted to hear from you.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the Bishop to assist the parish priest with the liturgy. This include

• Distribution of Communion at Mass.

• Undertaking Eucharistic Services when a priest is unavailable in the parish.

• Taking communion to sick members of the parish.

• Taking an active role in other liturgical services as required by the parish priest.

If you are interested in this Ministry, please speak to Father Paul.

Greeters

With a friendly smile the Greeters provide a warm welcome to our church community, offering a hymn book and weekly newsletter.

Ushers

We are very blessed in our Parish Community to have many children Ushers at the Sunday 10am mass, led by Ken Curtis. The children, agd 6 and above, thoroughly enjoy this role and very much look forward to it. The Ushers also participate in other areas of the mass, such as greeting and reading.